The number of cars sold in the UK during 2001 rose 10.7% to 2,458,769 units – higher than forecast by industry specialists. The year ended with a bumper month in December with an increase in sales of 18,668 cars. The figures were released on Monday (January 7, 2002) by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The reasons behind the increase were given as strong growth in the private sector (up 22%) and high sales of diesel cars (up 39.4%). In a statement, the SMMT predicted that sales would ease back in 2002 to 2000 levels, but added that the market was not showing any signs of cooling off in the near future.

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